Generally speaking, I've had my fill of undead films. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early seasons of The Walking Dead were enjoyable, this category seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later remains sitting on my to-watch queue for some time. However, the platform's new Indonesian zombie flick, The Elixir, succeeded in defy my expectations and proved quite enjoyable.
Superb Rhythm and Personal Development
One of the film's greatest assets lies in the superb rhythm. It begins using a memorable initial scene in which a calm family party is violently interrupted when a vehicle crashes into the guest area. Out of the van, a very zombie-like stranger stumbles out proceeding attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then followed by a flashback, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
In contrast to numerous zombie films, The Elixir actually allows the audience sufficient time to become acquainted with its main characters prior to the chaos ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother whose former close friend, Karina, is now married to her dad—a clearly uncomfortable dynamic. Naturally, this has predictably caused a rift between the two women. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, who is good-natured but socially awkward, and he enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, appears to have recently cheated on her. The family head consists of her dad, who runs a well-known natural medicine business called Wani Waras, and who appears focused on just two aspects: his work and his marriage to his daughter's former best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Invested in the Drama
I found myself so invested in the household's issues and their personal conflicts that I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a negative, yet ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film to showing viewers who each relative represents, plus the ways they add to the general turmoil. This focus on clashing traits enabled the audience to connect to the personalities enough to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat in a genre which frequently introduces characters just to kill them off shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for an army of the undead to consume, so it's a real surprise when things eventually deteriorate.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening sequences of the party and the multiple household exchanges in fact evoke the film Parasite, a story that masquerades as a Korean drama with slightly dark humor before making a sudden turn toward shocking territory. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir still gives enough time to immerse in its world before it gets turned upside down.
Unique Zombification Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing explanation for the source of the contagious zombification. Instead of a unintended lab leak or some sort of bioweapon, the source of this infectious condition originates in a recent sample from Wani Waras herbal remedies developed by Nes' father. Although some background is provided something regarding how it started, I wish the film had spent additional time on how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of natural treatments to creating a lethal elixir that appears to contain an extremely infectious virus. Regardless of the lack of background, the impact this condition has on people is utterly disgusting, and I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove fast, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics also appear quite realistic, and they're practically certain to trigger a fear of holes.
Capable Characters
Even better compared to the disgusting scenes are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are some instances of questionable choices (like any any good undead film), but generally, Nes and her family show themselves inventive and quick-thinking. Additionally, they aren't afraid to strike an undead in the head, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it on the skull with the nearest blunt instrument is available instead of freezing like a deer in headlights while danger approaches.
Realistic Family Discord
The Elixir doesn't drop its focus of familial discord when people start turning to the undead, this proved a pleasantly authentic deviation from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but since you nearly died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope frequently used in apocalyptic films. Obviously, Nes loves her relatives and cares about her spouse, Rudi, yet it's equally clear she remains clinging to resentment over his betrayal of their marriage vows. When the family gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. However, once Bang reveals he doesn't know the way to the location, Nes unleashes an immense amount of frustration toward Bang that's clearly been building for years. Nes isn't flawless, and her relatives—flawed as it is—seem realistic and relatable because the film avoids attempting to push the notion that nearly dying immediately resolves family tensions. This makes the moments when these characters do show gratitude toward one another feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
In spite of The Elixir's best attempts to innovate, the conclusion is admittedly somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound insight regarding relatives or society, either. Rather, it's mostly delivering frights. But they're effective frights, and because the movie allows every personality enough room to develop and avoids penalizing them for having flaws, the result is an engaging and enjoyable
